Govt decides to lift ban on YouTube

ISLAMABAD - Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Pervaiz Rashid said on Friday that the government had in principle decided to open YouTube website as it was an effective source of knowledge for students.The minister said that objectionable material published on YouTube should be blocked, rather than imposing a ban on the site.Responding to a question in a PTV programme, the minister expressed the hope that dialogue with Taliban would produce positive results soon in order to restore peace and tranquillity in the country.The government was exercising the option of talks with Taliban as proposed and endorsed by All Parties Conference, he said.He said Taliban had showed willingness to hold dialogue and the government welcomed it and responded with a positive gesture.He alleged previous regimes did not take serious steps for addressing militancy and ending the energy crisis. He was of the view that sensitive issues should not be discussed in media talk shows.To a question, he said that Pakistan was following the policy of no interference in other country's affairs and no one would be allowed to interfere in Pakistan's matters as well.Talking about the country's foreign policy, the minister said that international community appreciated the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.He said that the recent meeting between prime ministers of India and Pakistan remained successful, adding Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh responded positively.Pervaiz Rashid said that some elements tried to sabotage the New York meeting and an attempt was also made to disrupt Pak-China relations, but they failed. Pervaiz Rashid said that Pakistan wanted friendly relations with India for lasting peace and stability peace in the region.To a question about the appointment of new Chief of Army Staff, he said that Prime Minister would take the decision in this regard. However, he said appointment would be made purely on merit and in a transparent manner.He said that PML-N government was making efforts for economic revival and improving law and order in the country.To another question about electricity tariff, he said that government had removed subsidy on power to check circular debt does not increase again.He said that the amount would be invested for power generation. The minister said that the government would continue to provide Rs 167 billion subsidy to consumers using up to 200 units.He said that country had to generate electricity through hydel and coal resources as it was a cheaper way to address energy shortage.The government would establish coal power projects to generate 6,600MW electricity.